FCC Deregulation: Michael Copps Interviewed By Daniel Sheehan (KPFK, May 26)

By Anonymous (not verified) , 27 May, 2003
Author
ziggy

FCC's Michael Copps on June 2nd vote; mp3 of interview segment conducted today, on KPFK's "Aware" show; runtime: 40:07; 9.2 megabytes

KPFK Interview

Under the chairmanship of Michael Powell (son of General Colin Powell) the FCC

is racing towards massive deregulation of media ownership restrictions. 

There are five voting commissioners on the FCC.  Two -- Michael Copps and

Jonathan Adelstein -- have been holding informal hearings across the country.

Chairman Powell has seen to it that the details of the proposed ownership

restriction changes will not be made available for public review prior to the

vote.  Thus far, Chairman Powell has refused to delay the vote in spite of

the fact that more than 200,000 Americans have sent post cards, email and

letters demanding the commission take more time for a formal period of public

review and comment -- a process that would be in keeping with FCC

tradition.  At least 150 members of Congress have also asked for a vote delay. 

Opposition to a rushed vote cuts across partisan lines, including

media activists from the left to the National Rifle Association.

There are many ways you can make your voice heard.  Consumers

Union, MoveOn and other

groups have organized petitions.  You can also contact the FCC

directly.  Click here for

commissioner email addresses, phone numbers and more.  While it's easy to

be cynical and conclude that Chairman Powell will continue to ignore public

outcry for a vote delay, perhaps a rush of complaints in the week leading up to

the June 2nd vote might have an impact.  It takes less than two minutes to

write a short letter.  Take the time.

West Los Angeles Junior College:  Tuesday, May 27th Meeting

At 7pm, Daniel

Sheehan and others will be holding a meeting on FCC deregulation at West

Los Angeles College.  For more information, call (310) 358-6800, extension

#1.  Be sure to call that number before attending.  Daniel Sheehan

only mentioned the event at the end of the radio interview and it wasn't clear

exactly where the event will be held.  Call for specifics.

Additional Resources and Information on Media Consolidation